Johnstone Burgh Football Club is proud to announce a further landmark moment in its modern history with significant new international investment from Frank Villares and Debra Tucker, both United States based healthcare entrepreneurs and long-standing supporters of sport.
Villares and Tucker have committed a substantial investment into the club, joining the existing ownership consortium as strategic investors and long-term partners. Their interest is firmly aligned with supporting the club’s ambition to progress sustainably through the Scottish football pyramid and into the SPFL, underpinned by strong governance, infrastructure and community engagement.
This investment represents more than capital. It is a strong endorsement of the work already undertaken by the club’s committee, volunteers, staff and players, many of whom have dedicated decades of service to Johnstone Burgh through both challenging and successful periods.
Building on a clear long-term vision
The club’s ownership group has set out a clear strategy to build Johnstone Burgh into a sustainable, community focused football club, capable of progressing through the pyramid in a responsible and structured manner.
The addition of Frank Villares and Debra Tucker brings further experience, resource and international perspective, helping to accelerate plans already in motion. Their involvement strengthens the club’s ability to plan for the long term, ensuring that ambition on the pitch is matched by stability and preparation off it.
The focus remains firmly on sustainability, strong governance and ensuring that progress is achieved in a way that protects the club’s long-term future.
Infrastructure, sustainability and Keanie Park
The club’s existing investors have already secured the ownership of Keanie Park, providing stability and certainty for Johnstone Burgh’s future.
This investment will be used to enhance and further develop the stadium and its facilities, ensuring Keanie Park continues to evolve in line with the club’s ambitions. A central long-term objective is the installation of astroturf facilities, which will significantly support youth development, increase year-round access to training, and provide first class environments for the club and local community to benefit from.
Alongside this, continued investment will be made into improving the wider stadium infrastructure, creating a facility capable of supporting progression through the SPFL pyramid while remaining a welcoming home for supporters, players and the local community.
Youth development, academy and pathway to the first team
Developing local talent remains a cornerstone of the club’s strategy and one of its most tangible successes.
This season, the club’s Under 20 Development Squad won the West of Scotland Development Cup, lifting the trophy at Broadwood Stadium, a significant achievement that reflects the strength of the pathway being built within the club.
That pathway is already delivering results, with more than five Under 20 players making their first team debuts, underlining the club’s commitment to providing genuine opportunities for young players to progress.
Alongside this, Johnstone Burgh continues to operate a thriving community football programme, with over 300 local children currently involved. The club remains committed to further developing its academy and community club infrastructure, coaching standards and facilities to ensure young players have access to high quality, year round development.
Working with Blackbridge Sports LLC
The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Blackbridge Sports LLC for their role in supporting this investment and facilitating the partnership.
Blackridge Sports worked closely with all parties throughout the process, providing strategic guidance and ensuring a smooth and well aligned outcome. Their involvement reflects the growing international interest in well run, community focused football clubs with clear long term ambitions.
A club for the whole community
Johnstone Burgh Football Club remains, and always will be, a club for the entire community regardless of age, race, religion or gender.
The club will continue its strong commitment to community and charitable initiatives, including partnerships with the local foodbank, seasonal events for children and families, a boot swap scheme to support parents and our mental health support group.
Quotes …
Frank Villares said:
“Johnstone Burgh is a club with deep roots, strong values and a clear plan for sustainable progression. I see my role as a long term partner, supporting the club as it builds the infrastructure, pathways and stability required to progress through the SPFL pyramid in the right way.”
Debra Tucker added:
“What stood out to me was the authenticity of the club and the commitment to doing things properly. This is a community club with ambition and a genuine plan for the future. I am proud to support Johnstone Burgh and be part of its continued growth. I am really excited to have our family be a part of the Johnstone Burgh family. We share similar values of community and family togetherness and I am really excited for the future.”
Alexander Jarvis, Founder of Blackbridge Sports LLC, commented:
“I’m delighted to have put this investment together. It’s a strong fit between club and investor, with a shared focus on long term value and sustainable growth. Johnstone Burgh has a lot of potential and this partnership allows that to be properly supported.”
Looking forward …
Johnstone Burgh Football Club is determined to build on its recent progress and continue developing a club the town can be proud of, both on and off the pitch.
Supporters who would like further information on the club’s future plans are encouraged to contact the club directly.
This announcement marks a significant step forward in the long term journey of Johnstone Burgh Football Club.
